Court remands three

THREE men charged with contempt of court were remanded by the High Court in Suva last week.

Veer Chand, Hem Chand, Krishneel Singh and Sumeet Narayan are alleged to have violated a court order forbidding them to operate a mechanical garage from their Nasinu home.

The first three men were remanded while Mr Narayan's bail was extended.

The order was given when Veer and Hem Chand were discharged by the High Court after they were alleged to have conspired to set fire to police's director traffic Mahesh Mishra's vehicle.

Justice Salesi Temo told the State prosecution to find out the procedure when dealing with contempt issues arising from a criminal charge.

State prosecutor Lisiate Fotofili said prior contempt matters had been in civil jurisdiction and this was one was brought about in the criminal jurisdiction.

Justice Temo said 21 days was given to the prosecution to make submissions on the above matter.

Defence counsel Mere Vasiti said the charge against them were summary which meant the matter should be remitted to the Magistrates Court.

Justice Temo replied the accused had violated the High Court's orders and they had to answer to the High Court.

On the issue of bail, Ms Vasiti submitted that the three men had not harmed anybody and had work to get back to.

Justice Temo told Ms Vasiti that as convincing as her argument was, there was a procedure to follow, the prosecution had to be given time to respond to the bail application and until then the three would be in custody.